White-winged Flufftail, Sarothrura ayresi

© Henok Samson Compiler: Bruktawit Abdu Mahamued

Contributors: Samson Zelleke, Henok Samson, Claudia Gray, Caleb Ofori

Suggested citation: Mahamued, B.A., Zelleke, S., Samson, H., Gray, C. and Ofori, C. 2020. A Survival Blueprint for the conservation and management of the White- winged Flufftail, Sarothruraayresi, in . An output from the EDGE of Existence fellowship, Zoological Society of London.

1. STATUS REVIEW

1.1 Taxonomy:

Sarothruraayresi (Gurney, 1877) Class: Aves Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae Genus:Sarothrura Species: ayresi Common Name: White-winged Flufftail

The White-winged Flufftail (Sarothruraayresi) was first described in 1877 by Gurney as Coturnicopsayresiin South Africa (Dowsett and Forbes-Watson, 1993). It was later placed in the genus Sarothrura (Heine, 1890). Sarothruraayresiisunder the Order Gruiformes and the Family Rallidae (del Hoyo et al., 2014). The birds in Ethiopia were first described in 1911 by Bannerman as Ortygopsmacmillani(Sibley and Monroe, 1993).

The bird is also called the White-winged Crake. In Oromiffaa, the local language spoken in the regional state where the bird occurs in Ethiopia, (Berga), it is referred to as Simbirro Bargaa, which is literally translated as the bird of Berga. Berga is the name of the river that runs through the birds’ wetland habitat at this locality.

The genus Sarothrura comprises seven speciesthat are all found in Africa. Sarothruraayresi is the only flufftail with white wing patches on its inner flight feathers or its’ secondaries. The adult males have a chestnut head, upper back and breast, while in the female this colouration is restricted to the neck and sides of breasts (Keith, 1986). Both sexes have a black-barred chestnut tail and white wing-patches on the secondary flight feathers(Redman et al., 2009).

1.2 Distribution and population status:

The species (Sarothruraayresi) is known to occur in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia. The birds in Ethiopia were first described in 1911. The species was known from Sululta plain in Ethiopia in the 1930s and 1940s. Sululta is in region, Central Ethiopia about 20km north of . Sarothruraayresi was re-discovered again in 1995 in Sulultain a certain locality called Weserbi. Their breeding was confirmed in July and August of the same year at the Weserbi locality (Atkinson et al., 1996). Due to this reason the Sululta site was designated as an Important Bird Area in 1996. However, the species has not been found there in recent times (Tilahun et al., 1996).

In 1997, several breeding pairs (about 200) of the White-winged Flufftail were found in the Berga wetlands. Berga is in Oromia region, Central Ethiopia about 70km west of Addis Ababa. The Berga site was soon designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) following this significant finding of the species at the site. During 1999, the first nest was found in the area further confirming that it is breeding at this site. The Berga wetlands continues to be an important stronghold for the species even in recent years.

The species has also been found in Bilacha located in Oromia region, Central Ethiopia, close to the Berga wetlands. In 2017 and 2018, a couple of pairs and one nest was found at Bilacha while conducting surveys as part of my EDGE fellowship activities. However, in 2019

we were not able to find a single individual or any signs of its’ breeding activities at this site. During the 2019 survey, we realized that the area had been grazed very low and disturbed as compared to the previous years.

The White-winged Flufftails seen in Ethiopia and South Africa were recently found to be the same population (Dalton et al., 2017). The current estimate of the global population of the species is less than 250 individuals (BirdLife International, 2015) which has resulted in the upgrade of the species IUCN Red List status to Critically Endangered since 2013 (BirdLife International, 2018).

1.2.1 Global distribution:

Country Population Distribution Population trend estimate (plus references) (plus references) Ethiopia 50 – 249 individuals Oromia region Decreasing (BirdLife International, (BirdLife 2020) International, 2020) South 50 – 249 individuals Middlepunt wetland, Decreasing (BirdLife International, Africa (BirdLife Wakkerstroom, 2020) International, 2020) Steenkampsberg and Bedford wetland Zimbabwe 50 – 249 individuals Harare (Monavale, Decreasing (BirdLife International, (BirdLife Marlborough) 2020) International, 2020) Zambia 50 – 249 individuals Chingola, Solwezi? Decreasing (BirdLife International, (BirdLife 2020) International, 2020)

1.2.2 Local distribution:

Country Region / Site Level of Population Reference(s) Notes province Protection size Ethiopia Oromia Berga IBA with no 50 – 249 (BirdLife Birds still protection individuals International, present at 2020) current time Ethiopia Oromia Bilacha No Not known The bird has protection not been recorded since 2018. Ethiopia Oromia Weserbi IBA with no Not known No recent protection records since late 1990s

1.3 Protection status:

Since the realization that Ethiopia is an important site for the species, the Ethiopian Wildlife and Natural History Society (EWNHS) along with the Middlepunt Wetland Trust and BirdLife South Africa have initiated several research and conservation works at the Berga site. This has resulted in the advancement of knowledge about the species, community development work in the area including the digging of new water wells, construction of a school, and the establishment of a strong Site Support Group (SSG) at Berga. An SSG is a local conservation group that is usually set up by BirdLife International partners in order to conserve a threatened bird species and its habitat. In this particular instance, the SSG undertake several conservation activities such as protecting the core habitat of the species by making sure that grasses in these core habitat areas are not harvested during the birds breeding season. The SSG also helps to raise awareness about the species in the local community.

Two of the sites (Berga and Weserbi) in Ethiopia are Important Bird Areas but do not have legal protection. At Berga, some 400 hectares of land is owned by the Agricultural Research Centre, which is used for breeding cattle. The organization does not allow grazing on this land from June until December, which synchronizes with the time the species inhabits Ethiopia. The rest of the grasslands are unregulated communal and private grazing areas.

Weserbi has become quite degraded over recent years and is therefore not suitable for the species. Unless grazing pressure is significantly reduced, this site will no longer be able tos upport the species into the future.

Bilacha is a relatively small area and it is mostly communal grazing land with some fenced off private grazing areas. Some individuals who own small pieces of the wetland have erected fences to prevent other cattle from grazing on private property (land) and not necessarily to protect the bird’s habitat.

1.4 Ecology, behaviour and habitat requirements in Ethiopia:

Behavior– The White-winged Flufftail is a secretive and a very small bird measuring about 14cm and weighing about 30gm (Redman et al., 2009). They are ground-nesting birds that forage by cryptically moving through longer grasses, which makes it difficult to see them (Sande et al., 2008). They usually flush when approached (Allan et al., 2006). This is the main means of detecting the species whilst undertaking surveys although they may also be spotted through nest encounters. During the EDGE fellowship, it was observed that the birds aggressively defend their nest when incubating. They display aggression by showing the white patches on their wings and charging towards the intruder whilst making hissing sounds in the process.

Habitat requirements – In Ethiopia, the species occurs in seasonally flooded vegetation (Sande et al., 2008)in high altitude wetlands above 2,000 meters above sea level. According to data gathered at Berga as part of this EGDE fellowship activities(2018, 2019), the White- winged Flufftails were found in areas with mean water level of 5.45cm (Table 1). It appears that the species preference for water spans from as low as 2cm to as high as 8cm. The species is usually found in areas with taller grasses (mean grass height of 30.69cm and a range of 25 - 35cm). Regarding their preference or tolerance of bare ground, we have found the Flufftail mainly in areas with 10 to 18% bare ground coverage.

Table 1. The mean, standard deviation, min and max values of the habitat variables measured at Berga, Ethiopia, in locations where the White-winged Flufftails were sighted.

Water Level (cm) Grass Height (cm) Bare ground (%)

Mean Value 5.30 30.69 14.92

Standard 3.89 8.34 8.23 Deviation Max 12 45.67 40

Min 0 16.67 5

Regarding the vegetation types, the Flufftails were found in areas that had a combination of grass and sedge species. There were 13 species of plants that were found in the vicinity of Flufftail habitat. Eight of the most commonly found plant species are listed in Table 2. Ashufe, Balemi, Chefe Guba, Kuni and Chilimoare found in higher abundance in the sites where the White-winged Flufftail has been recorded, indicating their suitability for the species.

Table 2.The local and scientific names of plant species mainly seen in Berga where White- winged Flufftails were sighted.

Local name (Oromiffa) Scientific name

1. Ashufe Eragrostis tenuifolia

2. Balemi Andropogon dummeri

3. Chefe Guba Ranunculus multifidus

4. Kuni Cyperus rigidifolius

5. Chilimo Cyperus atronervatus

6. Buski Cyperus dichrostachyus

7. Amakyta Trifolium wartinianum

8. Welebo Crinium abyssinicus

1.5 Threat analysis:

Threat Description of how this threat impacts Intensity of the species threat (low, medium, high, critical or unknown) Habitat loss and degradation Expansion of Agriculture including Critical eucalyptus plantations is one of the main causes of the loss of the species habitat.

Subsequent soil erosion following habitat conversion decreases the availability of good quality grass species that the Flufftail can use to feed and/or to nest.

Overgrazing by cattle can also affect the amount of suitable grass that is available for the Flufftail.

The birds’ habitat is degraded by trampling of grass by people and cattle.

Grazing exposes areas near the birds’ nests to predators and to further trampling as they often open up new foraging paths. Trampling by cattle During grazing cattle could directly trample Critical on the birds’ nests. This lowers the nest survival rates. Human disturbance during Cutting of grass decreases the amount of High breeding season suitable grass available for the Flufftail to breed and feed in. Grass cutting at breeding site is usually for a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. This indirectly decreases the nest survival rates.

In addition, when people regularly pass through the core breeding area of the bird, they may trample on the nests or trample on suitable grass (as mentioned above) and thus decrease the birds nesting success. Absence of laws to regulate Increases the likelihood of habitat loss, Critical and sustainably manage the degradation and destruction in the area grasslands for the White- and hence the amount of habitat available winged Flufftail at the local for the species to breed. and national level

Low interest of the local If the local community were more aware of Critical community towards the the current situation and given alternative conservation of the species means of livelihood and better community services, they would be highly interested to help the conservation of the species. Climate change Changes in rainfall regimes could affect the High birds’ migration and breeding. Absence of consistent The actual population of the Flufftails High population data to inform and needs to be regularly monitored in order to influence decisions make informed decisions. Otherwise it may lead to wastage of resources.

1.6 Stakeholder analysis:

Country Stakeholder Stakeholder’s Current activities Impact Intensity of interest in the (positive, impact species’ negative (low, conservation or both) medium, high or critical) Ethiopia Site Support The group was set up Informally raising Positive High Group (SSG) as a local volunteer awareness about the at Berga group to help conserve importance of the site for the White-winged the species. Flufftail. They take pride in the Surveying the species birds’ conservation alongside other because the birds are researchers. primarily found in the Berga wetland (their Previously the SSG has community land). been involved in patrolling the core breeding area of the species. Ethiopia Ethiopian African Eurasian They work with the national Positive High Wildlife Waterbird Agreement and local government to Conservation (AEWA) influence the protection and Authority representative. restoration of Flufftail (EWCA). habitat. Ethiopia Ethiopian Fulfilling its purpose as They support the SSG to Positive High Wildlife and a BirdLife partner in implement its’ conservation Natural History Ethiopia. work. Society (EWNHS). Ethiopia Cattle rearing They use the majority Prohibiting grazing in Positive Critical state farm. of the wetland (species 400ha of land that it habitat) as grazing administers. ground for their cattle during the dry season. They specifically conduct daily patrols from June – December to monitor and stop illegal grazing on their land. By controlling and managing grazing activities

on their land, they indirectly preserve some comparably suitable habitat for the species. Ethiopia Local Local pride. When convinced the local Both Critical community. people positively influence the breeding success of the species by not grazing livestock or cutting grass near the nest sites. Ethiopia Herders and They seek They are very good at Both Critical young acknowledgment of finding nests and can help children. their efforts at the research team to locate protecting the species nests. They have helped to and take local pride protect nests till the chicks that the species occurs fledge by halting grazing in in their community. that area. They can also influence the community. Ethiopia Local Local pride. None Both Critical government Ethiopia Regional Local pride. None Both Critical government South BirdLife South Fulfilling its purpose as Supports research and Positive Critical Africa Africa. a BirdLife partner. conservation work in South Africa and Ethiopia. South Middlepunt Wildlife conservation Owns and protects one of Positive High Africa Trust. trust established to the species’ breeding areas conserve the species. in South Africa. Supports ongoing community work in Ethiopia. N.B. The threat and stakeholder analysis as well as the action program (except for objective 8) are written aimed at the Berga site.

1.7 Context and background information that will affect the success of any conservation action for this species:

Description Threats Opportunities Socio-cultural effects and Local community are This activity can negatively When the community feel their cultural attitudes accustomed to cutting grass impact the species by concerns and priorities are from the area during the increasing the chances of addressed and heard they can breeding season for coffee trampling and disturbance of do a lot to support the ceremonies. During the the nesting sites. This could conservation efforts in the area. ceremony, coffee is brewed in decrease its breeding success. a clay pot on top of a small furnace and the cut grass is placed over the floor especially near the furnace. This ceremony takes place in most days of the year. Economic implications The community has in the This will affect the habitat Providing other means of recent past started planting structure and the water content diversified community income eucalyptus trees as a means of of the area. instead of overgrazing the income generation. Farming is area. also slowly rising in the area. Cutting grass like ashufe This is one of the suitable Maybe able to use some of the (Eragrostis tenuifolia) is also grasses used by the species to grass after the chicks have used to generate income by as nesting habitat. Thus fledged. selling as fodder for cattle. overharvesting this species will decrease its nesting success.

Grass like migra (Pennisetum If not sustainably used this The handicrafts could be sold schimperi) are used for making grass type may not be found in when tourism activities start in handicrafts like sewed abundance and thus slightly the future or just to support the containers. affect the livelihoods of the conservation activities. community. Tourism is not allowed but No protocols set in place so it New means of income for tourists sometimes come and could affect the survival of the people. try to illegally see the species species. If several tourists as it is a very rare species. come, it could get out of hand and nesting could be disturbed. Existing conservation The area that is owned by the The area does not cover all the The state farm conducts patrols measures cattle rearing state farm (400ha suitable sites for the species at from June to December to of the core area)helps to Berga. Furthermore, there are prohibit illegal grazing, which minimize grazing and trampling instances when some people will be very beneficial for in the area. would illegally cut grass and increasing the nesting success cattle would graze in the area. of the species. The SSG sometimes attempts Some of the cattle of the state to protect the breeding area at farm are allowed to graze to Berga which is less than 5km2. the west of the river and this could affect the species. Administrative/political set-up Local administrative They have other priorities and If they get to prioritize it they government are aware of the usually do not work towards its can make a huge difference in importance of the Berga site for conservation. the conservation of the the survival of the species. species.

Local expertise and interest Members of the SSG have very Some other inhabitants in the Strong foundation in place for good experience in locating the area may not share the same SSG to assist with future flufftails as well as their nests. ideas and may believe that the conservation efforts They also advocate for the SSG members are involved in protection of the birds habitat. conservation activities because there are still direct beneficiaries of projects connected to the species. Resources There are limited resources for The government may not If resources can be secured it the conservation of the species consider the species as a would be easier to support the by the government or other in- priority to invest conservation species’ conservation. country bodies. resources. School Kids In 2019, four school kids have Without training, other kids The awards will inspire more received awards from my could maybe trample on nests kids to find and protect nests to EDGE project for locating and trying to locate more nests. help the species and be caring for nests from recognised as conservation disturbances like trampling. leaders. Local community Some people know about the They will not cooperate on Communities will see the long benefits gained because of the further conservation efforts for term benefits of protecting the White-winged Flufftail like the species unless they see species, and will cooperate and schools built, water wells, benefits that are more even lead the conservation improved cattle breeds, etc. immediately tangible for them. activities. And they have seen that some kids have been awarded and parents praised and recognized.

2. ACTION PROGRAMME

Vision (30-50 years) The White-winged Flufftail’s long-term conservation in Ethiopia is ensured Goal(s) (5-10 years) Recovery of the population of the White-winged Flufftail through community support and through increased availability of suitable breeding habitat in Ethiopia Objectives Prioritisation (low, medium, high or critical) Halt degradation and promote rehabilitation of the White-winged Flufftail’s habitat at Berga, Ethiopia High Reduction of overgrazing, trampling by cattle and human disturbance of White-winged Flufftail habitat at Berga, Critical Ethiopia Increase the involvement of local and national government in the conservation of White-winged Flufftail High Assess the population trend of the White-winged Flufftail at the species habitat at Berga, Ethiopia High Promotion of an educational/awareness program on the plight of the White-winged Flufftail at a local and High national level in Ethiopia Introduction and promotion of diversified livelihoods for the community heavily dependent on the species habitat High at the Berga wetland Protect nest sites at Berga, Ethiopia, during the breeding season from July to October Critical Assess the species habitat at Bilacha and Weserbi, Ethiopia, for the presence of the White-winged Flufftail High Increase suitable habitat for the White-winged Flufftail at the Bilacha and Weserbi sites in Ethiopia by influencing High rehabilitation of some degraded habitats

Activities Country / Priority Associated Time Responsible Indicators Risks Activity type region (low, Cost scale stakeholders medium, high or critical) Objective 1: Halt degradation and promote rehabilitation of the White-winged Flufftail’s habitat at Berga, Ethiopia Revise local Ethiopia/ High 2,000 1-3 Local and Copies of new Government is Land management land use plans Oromia Pounds/year years national land use plans not prioritizing and advocacy government drafted the plans officials, EWCA Enforce newly Ethiopia/ High 4,000 2-5 Local and Records of zero Local Land management developed land Oromia Pounds/year years regional land land conversion government and use plans use office, local rates after 2020 community do community, not agree with GIS experts the plans Stop further Ethiopia/ Critical 4,000 2-5 Local land use Records of zero Local community Land management habitat Oromia Pounds/year years office, local land conversion does not agree conversions to community, rates with the plans agriculture and GIS experts eucalyptus plantations

Activities Country / Priority Associated Time Responsible Indicators Risks Activity type region (low, Cost scale stakeholders medium, high or critical) Soil Ethiopia/ High 5,000 2-10 Local New soil Local Land management conservation Oromia Pounds/year years agricultural conservation government work to improve office, local structures built does not see soil the grassland community and grassland conservation as quality (key grassland a priority species abundance) improvement monitored Reseeding of Ethiopia/ High 3,000 1-5 Researchers, Reports, pictures Area not safe to Land management key areas at Oromia Pounds/year years local experts, and GIS maps do reseeding Berga with officials and activities due to suitable local local conflicts or grassland community unrest species for the Whit-winged Flufftail Objective 2: Reduction of overgrazing, trampling by cattle and human disturbance of White-winged Flufftail habitat at Berga, Ethiopia Facilitate the Ethiopia/ Critical 2,000 1-5 Local Bylaws drafted Community is Meetings and drafting of local Oromia Pounds/year years community, not interested in communication by-laws that local halting the reduce government, disturbance disturbance at SSG group, the species state cattle breeding site at rearing farm Berga

Activities Country / Priority Associated Time Responsible Indicators Risks Activity type region (low, Cost scale stakeholders medium, high or critical) Regular Ethiopia/ High 3,000 1-10 Local Reports of Community does Nest Protection patrolling of the Oromia Pounds/year years community, locations and not support the breeding sites at SSG group, current states of patrolling Berga state cattle suitable habitats rearing farm and nests sites. Design an Ethiopia/ Critical 2,000 1-10 Local Awareness Community is Meetings and awareness Oromia Pounds/year years community, raising campaign not interested in acknowledgements raising children and/or plan. Materials halting the campaign to herders, SSG for promotion. disturbance promote the group, state Measurements of bylaws and to cattle rearing the amount of award the farm grass allowed to people who grow by land have abided by owners. Number them and those and condition of who have nests protected. supported the Reports about nest protection the good deeds efforts done and the awards given Conduct Ethiopia/ High 1,000 1-10 Local Reports of Community is Meetings, monitoring and Oromia Pounds/year years community, meeting not interested in monitoring and evaluation SSG group, conducted, M&E halting the evaluation state cattle report and disturbance rearing farm indicators

Activities Country / Priority Associated Time Responsible Indicators Risks Activity type region (low, Cost scale stakeholders medium, high or critical) Objective 3: Increase the involvement of local and national government in the conservation of the White-winged Flufftail Hold Ethiopia Critical 5,000 1-5 Local and Report from Government is Advocacy discussions with Pounds/year years national meetings not prioritizing stakeholders on government, conducted the species the importance local protection of the Berga site community, for the EWCA, SSG, protection of the EWNHS, species researchers

Raise Ethiopia/ High 5,000 2-10 Local and Reports of Government and Advocacy awareness on Oromia Pounds/year years national events held other groups do the significance government, not prioritize the of the species EWCA, SSG, conservation of protection local the species community

Designate the Ethiopia High 10,000 2-5 Local and Draft of site Local Land use and species habitat Pounds/year years national protection government and management at Berga as a government, community do protected site or EWCA not understand a community the significance conservation of species area protection

Activities Country / Priority Associated Time Responsible Indicators Risks Activity type region (low, Cost scale stakeholders medium, high or critical) Objective 4: Assess the population trend of the White-winged Flufftail at the species habitat at Berga, Ethiopia Design Ethiopia/ Critical 4,000 1-3 Researchers, Draft of Stakeholders do Discussing and monitoring Oromia Pounds/year years SSG, local monitoring not reach an testing protocols protocols government, protocols agreement EWCA, EWNHS, BirdLife South Africa

Acquire Ethiopia/ High 4,000 2-4 Local and List of acquired Equipment are Conservation necessary Oromia Pounds/year years national survey not available in finance survey government, equipment time for surveys equipment EWCA, EWNHS, SSG, researchers

Conduct surveys Ethiopia/ High 3,000 1-10 SSG, Survey reports Area is unsafe to Survey at least once a Oromia Pounds/year years researchers conduct any year surveys

Analyse data Ethiopia/ High 1,500 1-10 SSG, Compiled reports Area is unsafe to Report writing and report to Oromia Pounds/year years researchers conduct any relevant surveys stakeholders

Activities Country / Priority Associated Time Responsible Indicators Risks Activity type region (low, Cost scale stakeholders medium, high or critical) Objective 5: Promotion of an educational/awareness program on the plight of the White-winged Flufftail at a local and national level in Ethiopia Design Ethiopia/ High 2,000 1-2 Education Draft of Stakeholders do Discussing and educational Oromia Pounds/year years professionals, educational not reach an testing methods programme local programme agreement government, manual, researchers including plan

Undertake Ethiopia/ Critical 5,000 2-10 Education Number of School Education educational Oromia Pounds/year years professional, students and administrators programme SSG, teachers are not allowing focusing on researchers trained/educated, the programme school children proportion of local schools reached

Conduct Ethiopia/ High 7,000 2-10 Local and Reports of Participants are Awareness awareness Oromia Pounds/year years national awareness not taking the program at local government, programs held program and national EWCA, and their impact seriously level for local EWNHS, SSG, communities researchers and government officials

Activities Country / Priority Associated Time Responsible Indicators Risks Activity type region (low, Cost scale stakeholders medium, high or critical) Objective 6: Introduction and promotion of diversified livelihoods for the community heavily dependent on the species habitat at the Berga wetland Hold Ethiopia/ High 5,000 1-3 Local Report of Stakeholders are Meetings and discussions with Oromia Pounds/year years government, assessment of not interested to communication local local diversified participate in the communities community livelihood meetings and government potential officials and experts who can identify potential to diversify livelihoods Build capacity of Ethiopia/ High 5,000 2-5 Local Number of Some trainees Training local people to Oromia Pounds/year years community, people trained might move adopt alternative youth groups, elsewhere livelihoods local before government businesses open Open new Ethiopia/ Critical 5,000 2-5 Local Number of Businesses Empowerment business for Oromia Pounds/year years community, people trained might not be trained groups youth groups, and list of very successful equipment bought

Activities Country / Priority Associated Time Responsible Indicators Risks Activity type region (low, Cost scale stakeholders medium, high or critical) Implement Ethiopia/ Critical 40,000 2-10 Local Type and People might not Community work community Oromia Pounds/year years government, number of agree on the development different infrastructure or type of projects funding facility built community work (bridges, school) organizations, to be delivered to instil a sense local of ownership community Objective 7: Protect nest sites at Berga, Ethiopia, during the breeding season from July to October Identify and Ethiopia/ Critical 5,000 1 – 10 Researchers, Map and Area is not safe Survey mark nest sites Oromia Pounds/year years SSG, EWNHS description of to conduct any nests marked surveys Hold Ethiopia/ High 3,000 1-10 Local Report from Stakeholders are Advocacy discussions with Oromia Pounds/year years community, conducted not interested in land owners and researchers, meetings the discussions herders SSG, EWNHS Patrol the sites Ethiopia/ Critical 2,000 1-10 Local Reports and Local community Patrolling to avoid Oromia Pounds/year years community, pictures during does not allow disturbance researchers, the patrols the patrols on SSG their land Objective 8: Assess the species habitat at Bilacha and Weserbi, Ethiopia, for the presence of the White-winged Flufftail Conduct survey Ethiopia/ High 5,000 1-10 Researchers, Survey reports Area is not safe Survey of the White- Oromia at Pounds/year years local experts to conduct any winged Flufftail Bilacha surveys at least twice a and year in Bilacha Weserbi and Weserbi

Activities Country / Priority Associated Time Responsible Indicators Risks Activity type region (low, Cost scale stakeholders medium, high or critical) Carry out Ethiopia/ Medium 2,000 1-10 Researchers, Reports and Participants are Data collection interviews with Oromia at Pounds/year years local audio recordings not willing to be local community Bilacha community and interviewed and experts on and local experts recent sightings Weserbi of the Flufftail Objective 9: Increase suitable habitat for the White-winged Flufftail at the Bilacha and Weserbi sites in Ethiopia by influencing rehabilitation of some degraded habitats Conduct surveys Ethiopia/ High 2,000 1-2 Researchers Survey reports Area is not safe Survey to understand Oromia at Pounds/year years and local and GIS maps to conduct any the current Weserbi experts surveys habitat condition and of the Bilacha Bilacha and Weserbi sites Hold Ethiopia/ High 2,000 1- 5 Local Report from Government is Advocacy discussions with Oromia at Pounds/year years government conducted not prioritizing stakeholders on Weserbi and meetings the species the importance and community, protection of site Bilacha EWCA, rehabilitation for EWNHS, the species researchers

Activities Country / Priority Associated Time Responsible Indicators Risks Activity type region (low, Cost scale stakeholders medium, high or critical) Reseeding of Ethiopia/ High 3,000 1- 5 Researchers, Reports, pictures Area is not safe Land management some areas with Oromia at Pounds/year years local experts, and GIS maps to do reseeding suitable grass Weserbi officials and activities species for the and local Whit-winged Bilacha community Flufftail Decrease Ethiopia/ Critical 2,000 1-10 Researchers, Reports and Local community Patrolling grazing by Oromia at Pounds/year years local experts, pictures during is not allowing patrolling the Weserbi officials and the patrols the patrols on rehabilitated and local their land areas to allow Bilacha community Flufftails to nest

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